The Newman Government today made the tough decision to cease state programs which are a duplication of Federal Government initiatives.

Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Federal Government already funds employment support programs at an annual cost of $1.8 billion and Queensland cannot afford the $19 million to run the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

“Employment services are the responsibility of the Federal Government and given the diabolical economic damage caused by the Bligh Labor Government, we need to end this type of needless duplication” Minister Langbroek said.

“Queensland was the only state in the country that contributed to separate employment programs on top of those already in place by the Federal Government.”

Minister Langbroek called on the Federal Government and industry to continue to provide effective job readiness programs.

“The Newman Government is trying hard to protect public service jobs and has commit ted to cutting waste and inefficiency without affecting front line services.

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs are not front line positions and we are committed to keeping our election promise that no font line positions will be affected”.